US20040074204A1 - Framing member with fastener attachments having square threads - Google Patents
Framing member with fastener attachments having square threads Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040074204A1 US20040074204A1 US10/273,624 US27362402A US2004074204A1 US 20040074204 A1 US20040074204 A1 US 20040074204A1 US 27362402 A US27362402 A US 27362402A US 2004074204 A1 US2004074204 A1 US 2004074204A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- side wall
- inches
- shaped trough
- threads
- framing member
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 238000009432 framing Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 60
- 229910000838 Al alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 150000002739 metals Chemical class 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011120 plywood Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B12/00—Jointing of furniture or the like, e.g. hidden from exterior
- F16B12/44—Leg joints; Corner joints
- F16B12/52—Metal leg connections
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B47/00—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements
- A47B47/02—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements made of metal only
- A47B47/03—Cabinets, racks or shelf units, characterised by features related to dismountability or building-up from elements made of metal only with panels separate from the frame
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47B—TABLES; DESKS; OFFICE FURNITURE; CABINETS; DRAWERS; GENERAL DETAILS OF FURNITURE
- A47B96/00—Details of cabinets, racks or shelf units not covered by a single one of groups A47B43/00 - A47B95/00; General details of furniture
- A47B96/14—Bars, uprights, struts, or like supports, for cabinets, brackets, or the like
- A47B96/1466—Bars, uprights, struts, or like supports, for cabinets, brackets, or the like with longitudinal grooves
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/30—Columns; Pillars; Struts
- E04C3/32—Columns; Pillars; Struts of metal
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/388—Separate connecting elements
- E04B2001/389—Brackets
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
- E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
- E04B1/38—Connections for building structures in general
- E04B1/58—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements
- E04B2001/5881—Connections for building structures in general of bar-shaped building elements using an undercut groove, e.g. dovetail groove
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to framing members and, more specifically, to small, lightweight framing members which can be conveniently used to assemble work benches, storage shelves, bookcases, etc.
- a typical such framing member is made from an aluminum alloy and has a configuration which makes it versatile in constructing fixtures and furniture.
- the framing member has a square cross-section.
- On each of the four sides of the framing member an elongate groove is defined.
- the elongate groove has a pair of opposed interior shoulders.
- the elongate grooves are designed to accept attachment bolts.
- the attachment bolts are attached to attachment nuts disposed within the grooves. When each bolt is tightened, its attachment nut impinges upon the underside of the interior shoulders of the groove, thereby firmly retaining the attachment nut within the groove.
- the invention satisfies this need.
- the invention is a framing member comprising an elongate body having at least one elongate U-shaped trough defined by a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls, the pair of opposed side walls both having a plurality of linear side wall grooves running continuously substantially along the entire length of the U-shaped trough, each side wall groove being defined by a plurality of side wall protuberances, a plurality of the side wall protuberances having squared off edges.
- the invention is also a combination of the framing member described above and a fastener screw having threads with squared off edges.
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a framing member having features of the invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the framing member illustrated in FIG. 1, shown in combination with a fastener screw;
- FIG. 3 is a detail view of a cross-section of the attachment member illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a detail view of a fastener screw having features of the invention.
- FIG. 5 is a detail view showing the attachment of the attachment screw illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6 is an end view of the attachment member illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in combination with three different accessory pieces;
- FIG. 7 is a end view of a pair of framing members, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, shown connected by a pair of sliding doors;
- FIG. 8 is an end view of a first industrial cabinet constructed with the framing member illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is a front view of a second industrial cabinet constructed with the framing member illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pair of framing members having features of the invention.
- the invention is a framing member 10 having an elongate body with at least one U-shaped trough 12 .
- the U-shaped trough 12 is defined by a bottom wall 14 and a pair of opposed side walls 16 .
- the pair of side walls 16 have a plurality of opposed elongate linear side wall grooves 18 running continuously substantially along the entire length of the U-shaped trough 12 .
- Each side wall groove 18 is defined by a plurality of elongate side wall protuberances 20 .
- a plurality of the side wall protuberances 20 have squared off edges 22 .
- the term “squared off edges,” when used with respect to the side wall protuberances 20 is intended to mean that the edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20 form an angle of between about 85° and about 95°, typically about 90°.
- the framing member 10 can be made from an aluminum alloy, but other materials can also be used, such as other metals and plastics.
- the framing member 10 comprises a central portion 24 and four elongate U-shaped troughs 12 radially extending away from the central portion 24 .
- Each U-shaped trough 12 is disposed 90° apart from each adjoining U-shaped trough 12 .
- Each of the U-shaped troughs 12 has a plurality of linear side wall grooves 18 running continuously along substantially the entire length of the U-shaped trough 12 .
- Each side wall groove 18 is defined by a plurality of side wall protuberances 20 , a plurality of the side wall protuberances 20 having squared off edges 22 .
- the framing member 10 comprises four elongate diagonal plates 26 .
- Each diagonal plate 26 extends away from the central portion 24 .
- Each diagonal plate 26 is disposed between an adjoining pair of U-shaped troughs 12 .
- each diagonal plate 26 is disposed apart from each adjoining U-shaped trough 12 by identical angles ⁇ of 45°.
- the diagonal plates 26 can be disposed with respect to adjoining U-shaped troughs 12 at other angles ⁇ as well.
- each diagonal plate 26 has an end member 28 with two end portions 30 disposed at 90° with respect to one another, so that the end member 28 has an arrow-shaped cross-section.
- the two end portions 30 of the end member 28 lie in perpendicular planes which are both parallel to the side walls 16 of two of the U-shaped troughs 12 .
- the length of each end portion 30 of the end member 28 determines the distance between each end portion 30 and a line 32 extending away from the nearest side wall 16 of a U-shaped trough 12 .
- This distance is typically predetermined to provide a convenient attachment opening 34 for a construction sheet 36 , such as a plywood or Masonite sheet, having a standard thickness which corresponds to the width of the attachment opening 34 .
- the use of the attachment opening 34 to accept and retain a construction sheet 36 is illustrated in FIG. 6.
- the space between opposed end portions 30 of two adjoining end members 28 can be capped by a slat 38 of corresponding width.
- the side wall protuberances 20 in each U-shaped trough 12 are staggered to form an attachment location 40 for a threaded screw 42 .
- the distance b between the side wall protuberances 20 in each U-shaped trough 12 is typically between about 0.060 inches and about 0.070 inches, most typically about 0.065 inches, except that the depth c of the initial notch 44 on the right side of the U-shaped trough 12 in FIG. 3 is typically between about 0.0450 inches and about 0.0550 inches, most typically about 0.0500 inches.
- each side wall protuberance 20 in each U-shaped trough 12 is typically between about 0.04 inches and about 0.05 inches, most typically about 0.045 inches, except that the width e of the initial side wall protuberance 12 i on the left side of the U-shaped trough 12 illustrated in FIG. 3 is typically between about 0.025 inches and about 0.035 inches, most typically about 0.030 inches.
- the length f of each side wall protuberance 20 is typically between about 0.140 inches and about 0.150 inches, most typically about 0.145 inches.
- the overall width g of the U-shaped trough 12 is typically between about 0.480 inches and about 0.500 inches, most typically about 0.490 inches.
- the distance h between the opposed side walls 16 of the U-shaped trough 12 is typically between about 0.190 inches and about 0.210 inches, most typically about 0.200 inches.
- the framing member 10 is preferably used with threaded fastener screws 42 having threads 46 with squared off edges 48 , as illustrated in FIG. 4.
- the term “squared off edges,” when used with respect to the fastener screws 42 is intended to mean that the outer edges 48 of the threads 46 are disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 50 of the screw 42 .
- the outer edges 48 of each thread 46 form angles which are approximately 90°, but are not exactly 90°.
- the threads 46 of the fastener screw 42 are sized and dimensioned such that, when the fastener screw 42 is disposed within one of the U-shaped troughs 12 of the framing member 10 , the threads 46 of the fastener screw 42 are disposed proximate to the base portion 52 of the side wall protuberances 20 and are disposed proximate to the squared off edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20 , but do not adversely effect the squared off edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20 . This is illustrated in FIG.
- each of the threads 46 of the fastener screw 42 is disposed deeply within each of the grooves 18 between the side wall protuberances 20 and each of the threads 46 is disposed proximate to the squared off edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20 , but none of the threads 46 of the fastener screw 42 impinge upon the squared off edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20 to such an extent that the side wall protuberances 20 are deformed with respect to their squared off configurations.
- a typical fastener screw 42 for use with a framing member 10 comprises side walls and with a height a of about 0.500 inches is a screw 42 having threads 46 which have a thickness i which is typically between about 0.035 inches and about 0.045 inches, most typically about 0.040 inches.
- the threads 46 are typically spaced apart by a distance j of between about 0.0700 inches and about 0.0750 inches, most typically about 0.0725 inches.
- the threads 46 protrude away from the central member 54 of the fastener screw 42 by a distance k typically between about 0.0600 inches and about 0.0625 inches, most typically about 0.06125 inches.
- the diameter 1 of the central member 54 of the fastener screw 42 is typically between about 0.180 inches and about 0.200 inches, most typically about 0.190 inches.
- the diameter m of the threads 46 is typically between about 0.3000 inches and about 0.3250 inches, most typically about 0.3125 inches.
- the head 56 of the fastener screw 42 typically has a height n of between about 0.165 inches and about 0.1875 inches.
- the threads 46 of the fastener screw 42 have a thickness i, a distance between adjoining threads j and j/t is between about 1.5 and about 2.0, most preferably between about 1.7 and about 1.9.
- the fastener screw 42 has nine threads per inch, a pitch of 0.1105 inches and a helix angle (the angle of the threads with respect to the horizontal) of 8.104°.
- the angle at which each thread 46 meets the central member 54 of the screw 42 is nearly 90°, typically between about 85° and about 90°, and most typically about 88°.
- the “flank angle” of the screw 42 is between about 0° and about 5°, typically about 2°.
- the fastener screw 42 is made from steel, although other materials, such as other metals and plastics, can also be used.
- each of the U-shaped troughs 12 can be capped by a elongate channel member 58 .
- a decorative cap trim element 60 can be disposed between opposed end portions 30 .
- an optional glazing seal strip 62 can be conveniently added for clean environments.
- snap-in sliding door guides 64 can be used to retain a pair of sliding doors 66 .
- FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate two different items of industrial furniture 68 capable of easily assembly using the framing member 10 of the invention.
- Brackets 70 are used to support the several framing members 10 using attachment screws 42 disposed within the U-shaped troughs 12 .
- FIG. 10 illustrates a very important feature of the invention.
- the fastener screw 42 can freely travel within the U-shaped trough 12 . This is because the threads 46 of the fastener screw 42 do not rigidly contact the side wall protuberances 20 until the fastener screw 42 is finally tightened within the U-shaped trough 12 .
- the framing member 10 a can be easily aligned with respect to the framing member 10 b by disposing a threaded screw 42 a into the connecting bracket 70 a and fully disposing the fastener screw 42 a within the U-shaped trough 12 b of the framing member 10 b . Then the bracket 70 a , the fastener screw 42 a and the framing member 10 a can be moved back and forth with respect to framing member 10 b until the framing member 10 a is perfectly aligned with respect to framing member 10 b . At that point, the alignment can be secured by finally tightening the fastener screw 42 a within the U-shaped trough 12 b of the framing member 10 b.
- the invention provides a framing member which is inexpensive but is versatile and durable.
- the framing member does away with the need to position a fastener nut within the groove disposed within the framing member. Because of the unique construction of the framing member, the framing member can be used over and over again without damage to the attachment sites within the U-shaped troughs.
- the attachment screw When used in combination with the steel screws having squared off threads and when the design and dimensions of the side wall protuberances match the threads of the attachment screws as described herein, the attachment screw does no damage to the side wall protuberances. Thus, the attachment screw can be inserted and withdrawn at the same location without damaging the framing member.
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Abstract
Description
- This invention relates generally to framing members and, more specifically, to small, lightweight framing members which can be conveniently used to assemble work benches, storage shelves, bookcases, etc.
- Small lightweight prefabricated framing members have become increasingly popular in the construction of industrial equipment, such as tooling, machinery, conveyors and robotic enclosures. A typical such framing member is made from an aluminum alloy and has a configuration which makes it versatile in constructing fixtures and furniture. The framing member has a square cross-section. On each of the four sides of the framing member, an elongate groove is defined. The elongate groove has a pair of opposed interior shoulders. The elongate grooves are designed to accept attachment bolts. The attachment bolts are attached to attachment nuts disposed within the grooves. When each bolt is tightened, its attachment nut impinges upon the underside of the interior shoulders of the groove, thereby firmly retaining the attachment nut within the groove.
- There is a problem, however, with framing members having such grooves. That problem arises from the fact that it can be very difficult to position the attachment nut within the groove and thread the attachment bolt into the attachment nut. Moreover, if the attachment nut is positioned behind a bracket or other large object, the attachment nut can be very difficult to see within the groove during the threading of the attachment bolt into the attachment nut.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a lightweight framing member which avoids these problems in the prior art.
- The invention satisfies this need. The invention is a framing member comprising an elongate body having at least one elongate U-shaped trough defined by a bottom wall and a pair of opposed side walls, the pair of opposed side walls both having a plurality of linear side wall grooves running continuously substantially along the entire length of the U-shaped trough, each side wall groove being defined by a plurality of side wall protuberances, a plurality of the side wall protuberances having squared off edges.
- The invention is also a combination of the framing member described above and a fastener screw having threads with squared off edges.
- These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:
- FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a framing member having features of the invention;
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the framing member illustrated in FIG. 1, shown in combination with a fastener screw;
- FIG. 3 is a detail view of a cross-section of the attachment member illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a detail view of a fastener screw having features of the invention;
- FIG. 5 is a detail view showing the attachment of the attachment screw illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 6 is an end view of the attachment member illustrated in FIG. 1 shown in combination with three different accessory pieces;
- FIG. 7 is a end view of a pair of framing members, such as illustrated in FIG. 1, shown connected by a pair of sliding doors;
- FIG. 8 is an end view of a first industrial cabinet constructed with the framing member illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is a front view of a second industrial cabinet constructed with the framing member illustrated in FIG. 1; and
- FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a pair of framing members having features of the invention.
- The following discussion describes in detail one embodiment of the invention and several variations of that embodiment. This discussion should not be construed, however, as limiting the invention to those particular embodiments. Practitioners skilled in the art will recognize numerous other embodiments as well.
- The invention is a
framing member 10 having an elongate body with at least oneU-shaped trough 12. The U-shapedtrough 12 is defined by abottom wall 14 and a pair of opposed side walls 16. The pair of side walls 16 have a plurality of opposed elongate linearside wall grooves 18 running continuously substantially along the entire length of the U-shapedtrough 12. Eachside wall groove 18 is defined by a plurality of elongate side wall protuberances 20. In the invention, a plurality of the side wall protuberances 20 have squared off edges 22. The term “squared off edges,” when used with respect to the side wall protuberances 20, is intended to mean that the edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20 form an angle of between about 85° and about 95°, typically about 90°. - Typically, the
framing member 10 can be made from an aluminum alloy, but other materials can also be used, such as other metals and plastics. - In the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the
framing member 10 comprises acentral portion 24 and fourelongate U-shaped troughs 12 radially extending away from thecentral portion 24. EachU-shaped trough 12 is disposed 90° apart from each adjoiningU-shaped trough 12. Each of the U-shapedtroughs 12 has a plurality of linearside wall grooves 18 running continuously along substantially the entire length of the U-shapedtrough 12. Eachside wall groove 18 is defined by a plurality of side wall protuberances 20, a plurality of the side wall protuberances 20 having squared off edges 22. - Also in the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, the
framing member 10 comprises four elongatediagonal plates 26. Eachdiagonal plate 26 extends away from thecentral portion 24. Eachdiagonal plate 26 is disposed between an adjoining pair ofU-shaped troughs 12. In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, eachdiagonal plate 26 is disposed apart from eachadjoining U-shaped trough 12 by identical angles α of 45°. Thediagonal plates 26, however, can be disposed with respect to adjoiningU-shaped troughs 12 at other angles α as well. - In the embodiment illustrated in the drawings, each
diagonal plate 26 has anend member 28 with two end portions 30 disposed at 90° with respect to one another, so that theend member 28 has an arrow-shaped cross-section. The two end portions 30 of theend member 28 lie in perpendicular planes which are both parallel to the side walls 16 of two of the U-shapedtroughs 12. The length of each end portion 30 of theend member 28 determines the distance between each end portion 30 and aline 32 extending away from the nearest side wall 16 of aU-shaped trough 12. This distance is typically predetermined to provide a convenient attachment opening 34 for a construction sheet 36, such as a plywood or Masonite sheet, having a standard thickness which corresponds to the width of the attachment opening 34. The use of the attachment opening 34 to accept and retain a construction sheet 36 is illustrated in FIG. 6. - As also illustrated in FIG. 6, the space between opposed end portions30 of two adjoining
end members 28 can be capped by aslat 38 of corresponding width. - As illustrated in FIG. 3, the side wall protuberances20 in each
U-shaped trough 12 are staggered to form an attachment location 40 for a threadedscrew 42. In a typical embodiment, wherein the height a of each U-shaped trough side wall 20 is about 0.500 inches, the distance b between the side wall protuberances 20 in eachU-shaped trough 12 is typically between about 0.060 inches and about 0.070 inches, most typically about 0.065 inches, except that the depth c of the initial notch 44 on the right side of the U-shapedtrough 12 in FIG. 3 is typically between about 0.0450 inches and about 0.0550 inches, most typically about 0.0500 inches. The width d of each side wall protuberance 20 in eachU-shaped trough 12 is typically between about 0.04 inches and about 0.05 inches, most typically about 0.045 inches, except that the width e of the initial side wall protuberance 12 i on the left side of the U-shapedtrough 12 illustrated in FIG. 3 is typically between about 0.025 inches and about 0.035 inches, most typically about 0.030 inches. The length f of each side wall protuberance 20 is typically between about 0.140 inches and about 0.150 inches, most typically about 0.145 inches. The overall width g of the U-shapedtrough 12 is typically between about 0.480 inches and about 0.500 inches, most typically about 0.490 inches. The distance h between the opposed side walls 16 of the U-shapedtrough 12 is typically between about 0.190 inches and about 0.210 inches, most typically about 0.200 inches. - The
framing member 10 is preferably used with threadedfastener screws 42 havingthreads 46 with squared off edges 48, as illustrated in FIG. 4. The term “squared off edges,” when used with respect to thefastener screws 42, is intended to mean that the outer edges 48 of thethreads 46 are disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 50 of thescrew 42. Thus, the outer edges 48 of eachthread 46 form angles which are approximately 90°, but are not exactly 90°. - The
threads 46 of thefastener screw 42 are sized and dimensioned such that, when thefastener screw 42 is disposed within one of theU-shaped troughs 12 of the framingmember 10, thethreads 46 of thefastener screw 42 are disposed proximate to thebase portion 52 of the side wall protuberances 20 and are disposed proximate to the squared off edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20, but do not adversely effect the squared off edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20. This is illustrated in FIG. 5 where it can be seen that each of thethreads 46 of thefastener screw 42 is disposed deeply within each of thegrooves 18 between the side wall protuberances 20 and each of thethreads 46 is disposed proximate to the squared off edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20, but none of thethreads 46 of thefastener screw 42 impinge upon the squared off edges 22 of the side wall protuberances 20 to such an extent that the side wall protuberances 20 are deformed with respect to their squared off configurations. - A
typical fastener screw 42 for use with a framingmember 10 comprises side walls and with a height a of about 0.500 inches is ascrew 42 havingthreads 46 which have a thickness i which is typically between about 0.035 inches and about 0.045 inches, most typically about 0.040 inches. Thethreads 46 are typically spaced apart by a distance j of between about 0.0700 inches and about 0.0750 inches, most typically about 0.0725 inches. Thethreads 46 protrude away from the central member 54 of thefastener screw 42 by a distance k typically between about 0.0600 inches and about 0.0625 inches, most typically about 0.06125 inches. The diameter 1 of the central member 54 of thefastener screw 42 is typically between about 0.180 inches and about 0.200 inches, most typically about 0.190 inches. The diameter m of thethreads 46 is typically between about 0.3000 inches and about 0.3250 inches, most typically about 0.3125 inches. Thehead 56 of thefastener screw 42 typically has a height n of between about 0.165 inches and about 0.1875 inches. - In most preferred embodiments, the
threads 46 of thefastener screw 42 have a thickness i, a distance between adjoining threads j and j/t is between about 1.5 and about 2.0, most preferably between about 1.7 and about 1.9. - In a
typical fastener screw 42 having a nominal outside diameter of {fraction (5/16)} inch, thefastener screw 42 has nine threads per inch, a pitch of 0.1105 inches and a helix angle (the angle of the threads with respect to the horizontal) of 8.104°. The angle at which eachthread 46 meets the central member 54 of thescrew 42 is nearly 90°, typically between about 85° and about 90°, and most typically about 88°. Thus, the “flank angle” of thescrew 42 is between about 0° and about 5°, typically about 2°. - In a typical embodiment, the
fastener screw 42 is made from steel, although other materials, such as other metals and plastics, can also be used. - As illustrated in FIG. 6, each of the
U-shaped troughs 12 can be capped by a elongate channel member 58. - As illustrated in FIG. 7, a decorative cap trim element60 can be disposed between opposed end portions 30. Also, an optional glazing seal strip 62 can be conveniently added for clean environments. Finally, as illustrated in FIG. 7, easy to install, snap-in sliding door guides 64 can be used to retain a pair of sliding doors 66.
- FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate two different items of
industrial furniture 68 capable of easily assembly using the framingmember 10 of the invention.Brackets 70 are used to support the several framingmembers 10 using attachment screws 42 disposed within theU-shaped troughs 12. - FIG. 10 illustrates a very important feature of the invention. In the invention, once the fastener screws42 are fully disposed within a
U-shaped trough 12, but before thefastener screw 42 is finally tightened within theU-shaped trough 12, thefastener screw 42 can freely travel within theU-shaped trough 12. This is because thethreads 46 of thefastener screw 42 do not rigidly contact the side wall protuberances 20 until thefastener screw 42 is finally tightened within theU-shaped trough 12. After thefastener screw 42 is fully disposed within theU-shaped trough 12, but before thefastener screw 42 is finally tightened within theU-shaped trough 12, there is sufficient clearance between thethreads 46 of thefastener screw 42 and the side wall protuberances 20 to allow thefastener screw 42 to freely be slid back and forth within theU-shaped trough 12. This important feature makes it easy for the user to properly align contiguous framingmembers 10 with respect to one another. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the framing member 10 a can be easily aligned with respect to the framing member 10 b by disposing a threaded screw 42 a into the connecting bracket 70 a and fully disposing the fastener screw 42 a within the U-shaped trough 12 b of the framing member 10 b. Then the bracket 70 a, the fastener screw 42 a and the framing member 10 a can be moved back and forth with respect to framing member 10 b until the framing member 10 a is perfectly aligned with respect to framing member 10 b. At that point, the alignment can be secured by finally tightening the fastener screw 42 a within the U-shaped trough 12 b of the framing member 10 b. - The invention provides a framing member which is inexpensive but is versatile and durable. The framing member does away with the need to position a fastener nut within the groove disposed within the framing member. Because of the unique construction of the framing member, the framing member can be used over and over again without damage to the attachment sites within the U-shaped troughs. When used in combination with the steel screws having squared off threads and when the design and dimensions of the side wall protuberances match the threads of the attachment screws as described herein, the attachment screw does no damage to the side wall protuberances. Thus, the attachment screw can be inserted and withdrawn at the same location without damaging the framing member.
- Having thus described the invention, it should be apparent that numerous structural modifications and adaptations may be resorted to without departing from the scope and fair meaning of the instant invention as set forth hereinabove and as described hereinbelow by the claims.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/273,624 US6802171B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2002-10-18 | Framing member with fastener attachments having square threads |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
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US10/273,624 US6802171B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2002-10-18 | Framing member with fastener attachments having square threads |
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US20040074204A1 true US20040074204A1 (en) | 2004-04-22 |
US6802171B2 US6802171B2 (en) | 2004-10-12 |
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US10/273,624 Expired - Lifetime US6802171B2 (en) | 2002-10-18 | 2002-10-18 | Framing member with fastener attachments having square threads |
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Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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DE102012103719A1 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2013-10-31 | Innovac Gmbh Berlin | Metallic frame structure, kit for mobile housing, mobile housing and hollow profile |
DE102012103719B4 (en) * | 2012-04-27 | 2014-08-14 | Innovac Gmbh Berlin | Metallic frame structure, kit for mobile housing, mobile housing and hollow profile |
US9518386B2 (en) | 2012-04-27 | 2016-12-13 | Innovac Gesellschaft Fuer Vacuumphysik Mbh | Metallic frame structure, assembly kit for mobile housing, mobile housing and hollow profile |
US9681560B2 (en) * | 2013-04-07 | 2017-06-13 | Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. | Cabinet and cabinet group including the same |
US20160073547A1 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2016-03-10 | Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc. | Cabinet frame enclosures, frame members and corresponding methods |
US9578772B2 (en) * | 2014-09-05 | 2017-02-21 | Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc. | Cabinet frame enclosures, frame members and corresponding methods |
US9596778B2 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2017-03-14 | Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc. | Cabinet frame enclosures, frame members and corresponding methods |
US9622369B2 (en) | 2014-09-05 | 2017-04-11 | Emerson Network Power, Energy Systems, North America, Inc. | Cabinet frame enclosures, frame members and corresponding methods |
US11332823B2 (en) | 2016-03-18 | 2022-05-17 | Goodrich Corproation | Method and apparatus for decreasing the radial temperature gradient in CVI/CVD furnaces |
US10407769B2 (en) * | 2016-03-18 | 2019-09-10 | Goodrich Corporation | Method and apparatus for decreasing the radial temperature gradient in CVI/CVD furnaces |
US10851537B2 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2020-12-01 | Chunwei Zhang | Assemblable structural column joint connection using fiber-reinforced concrete filled round double steel tubes and mounting method thereof |
US20190271144A1 (en) * | 2017-02-23 | 2019-09-05 | Chunwei Zhang | Assemblable structural column joint connection using fiber-reinforced concrete filled round double steel tubes and mounting method thereof |
US20220090381A1 (en) * | 2020-09-18 | 2022-03-24 | Wei-Jan Lin | Modular framing structure design and a method of using the same |
US11629495B2 (en) * | 2020-09-18 | 2023-04-18 | Wei-Jan Lin | Modular framing structure design and a method of using the same |
US20230212855A1 (en) * | 2020-09-18 | 2023-07-06 | Wei-Jan Lin | Modular framing structure design and a method of using the same |
US11965333B2 (en) * | 2020-09-18 | 2024-04-23 | Wei-Jan Lin | Modular framing structure design and a method of using the same |
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